Benjamin Moore just unveiled its 2026 Color of the Year is Silhouette AF-655.
It's a rich espresso shade with subtle charcoal undertones. This mix of burnt umber + charcoal has the design world buzzing, but if you’re selling your home, this may not be the smartest paint choice right now.
What Paint Improvements Can Do for Your Resale Value
First: painting still makes sense — but the color and context matter a lot.
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A fresh interior coat of paint can yield an average ROI of ~107%, meaning you may recoup your painting cost and increase your home’s value. Source: ANGI
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Painting the exterior can improve curb appeal and increase value by an estimated 2-5% of home price, with ROIs of ~51-55% in some studies. Source: OPENDOOR
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A major study by Zillow surveying thousands of homebuyers found: certain colors correlate with higher offer prices – e.g., dark olive green kitchens, navy blue bedrooms, dark gray living rooms. Source: ZILLOW
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On the flip side: bold or unusual color choices can reduce value. For example, homes with a daisy-yellow kitchen might see an offer reduction of ~$3,900. Source: ZILLOW
So: yes – paint is valuable, but it’s not just any paint. The choice of color and how it plays in the home matter.
Why Silhouette AF-655 Might Be a Risk for Sellers
Here are the specific concerns with using Silhouette (or similarly rich, deep hues) when prepping for sale:
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It’s a strong, specific tone
Silhouette is described as a “rich espresso shade infused with subtle charcoal undertones.” That puts it in the deep brown/charcoal family.
While depth and sophistication are attractive, deep bespoke tones sometimes limit the buyer’s ability to envision their own furnishings, décor, and style. -
Buyer preference still tilts toward neutrals or widely appealing tones
While Zillow’s study does show dark greys and olive greens gaining traction, it also emphasizes specific rooms (kitchens, bedrooms) and specific tones chosen strategically. Painting everywhere a unique dark brown/charcoal may narrow buyer appeal. Homes with very personalized or bold colors risk deterring buyers who say: “I’ll have to repaint.” -
Deep tones may visually shrink space or require more finishing touches
Homes with darker walls can feel smaller, especially in less-lit rooms or older homes with smaller windows (common in many Rochester neighborhoods). Buyers may perceive more work ahead and may reduce their offer accordingly. -
The risk of “too trendy” or “too specific”
The Color of the Year marketing is about trend and design inspiration, but when you’re selling, you want timeless appeal. If a home looks like it’s styled for a fashion moment rather than broad appeal, some buyers will factor in repaint-cost into their offer, reducing what they’ll bid. One survey found “40% of buyers would reduce their offer if they disliked the interior color palette.” Source: THE SUN
So What Should Sellers Do Instead?
If the goal is to sell a home quickly, for the best price, and with minimal buyer objections, here’s what we advise:
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Stick to neutral palettes: Light greys, off-whites, beige greige — especially in high-traffic spaces (living room, main bedrooms). These allow buyers to imagine themselves in the space rather than adjust for a strong color.
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Reserve richer tones for accent features: If you love Silhouette or similar rich tones, use it on an accent wall or in a room where you’re confident the light and architecture accommodate it (e.g., a well-lit den or library). Avoid using it universally throughout.
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Focus on update + condition: A fresh coat of a safe neutral matters more than a bespoke designer color. Buyers care about “move-in ready” more than cutting edge. As one source said: fresh paint “makes a move-in ready appearance that reduces buyer hesitation.” Source: OPENDOOR
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Be mindful of exterior/curb appeal: The very first impression happens outside. If you repaint exterior, pick colours that complement the neighborhood style and architecture and appeal to a broad base. Deep/bold exteriors may limit buyer pool. Source: REVIVE
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Coordinate with lighting and architecture: Darker tones need strong natural light, large rooms, and architectural details. In smaller or older homes (many in Rochester), they may backfire.
Shane's Thoughts
A fresh coat of paint can significantly impact the sale of your home, but I recommend a neutral tone for high-traffic areas. While trending colors like Silhouette AF-655 are stylish and certainly eye-catching, for resale, we're aiming for broad appeal. A slightly more conservative palette will likely drive more buyer interest, reduce days on market, and help you maximise your sale price.
